Need help, I don't know much about bikes

[kmrivers]

Hello everyone. First post! Anyhow. I know how to ride bikes. That's it. I don't really know anything else.

With that said. I am looking for a commuter bike. 2-3 miles to and from. Maybe more. I would also like do some long distance touring.

Now for my budget. My needs right now are commuting, hands down. If I can't fit touring capabilites in there, that is cool. I would still like a bike comfortable enough to do 20-30 miles rides and maybe more. I would like to stay under $400 USD.

I really don't know much, I have read about the different types of bikes and know a little. I don't really know what to look for in a commuting bike, i just assume there is a better choice than a mountain bike.

Thanks for your help. I don't what else to include if you need anything please let me know. Thanks.

5'10"
175lb

 

[darkhelmet]

I would start by looking at hybrid bikes instead of mountain bikes. The commuters that I know want bikes that permit them to be more upright for maximum viewing, and avoidance of those zipping autos. While I don't commute to work, I do own one hybrid for running errands. Check the websites for Trek, Giant, and Specialized. There are several hybrids to choose from for well under $400usd.

 

[kmrivers]

I have taken a look at trek and specialized and some prices. It seems I can get a touring bike for maybe 100-200 more. I am thinking this may be the way to go. So more input would be nice. I am going to continue reading and learning. Thanks for the reply.

 

[kmrivers]

After looking I am liking the Giant OCR1. I like that is has the curved bars. None of the hybrids from Trek had that. Anyone else want to chime in?

 

[RickF]

After looking I am liking the Giant OCR1. I like that is has the curved bars. None of the hybrids from Trek had that. Anyone else want to chime in?

If you can find a Giant OCR1 for under $400, go for it. MSRP is $1100. If you have increased your budget and you want the drop bars, check out the Trek Pilot or Specalized Sequoia lines.

 

[kmrivers]

Thanks. The Trek Pilot looks to be a bit pricey. Cheapest I found online (quick search) is $770. The Sequoia looks very nice. I will keep my eyes peeled for these bikes. They definetely seem like they fit the bill.

Also, is there any specific year I should be looking for on these, if I go used? Anyone to look out for. Specifically there is a 2004 Sequoia on eBay for $450. It is in my state so I could possibly look at it before hand too.

Auction Link

There is a link to the auction. It looks like it is in good shape. Any thoughts?

Ack, looks like it might be too small for me.

 

[RickF]

Ack, looks like it might be too small for me.

The problem with buying any bike online, especially if you do not have much experience, is getting the right fit. A bike that does not fit you is no bargan at any price.

There is very little difference in the Sequoia line from 2004 through the current (the specs for the older versions are available under "bikes" "archive" on the Specialised web site http://www.specialized.com/ ).

I believe Pilot is new for 2006. The closest thing to the pilot in previous years was probably the 1000C or 1200C.

Just like with cars, dealers sometimes have last year's models available at discounted prices.

 

[kmrivers]

Thanks for the info. I agree with the fit thing. However if i go by sizing charts and match my height would there be a problem? Are there other factors I need to account for? Thanks.

 

[wifeh8sbikes]

Welcome to the cycling community. The best bit of advice I can give you, regardless of the bike you decide on, is to purchase through your LBS (local bike shop). They will fit you to the best bike for your individual needs. Though the internet may seem less expensive, in the long run you will be glad you went to your friendly LBS. Have fun and be safe!

 

[RickF]

I do not know where you were looking for prices, but neither Trek or Specalized are available from online retailers. The MSRP for the Trek Pilot line is: Pilot 1.0, $769.99; Pilot 1.2, $989.99; Pilot 2.1, $1539.99; and for the Sequoia is: Sequoia, $770.00; Sequoia Elite, $1200; and Sequoia Expert, $2200. The MSRP for the Giant OCR line is: OCR1, $1100; OCR2, $850; and OCR3, $650, so all of these are above your original $400 budget, but similar to each other.

The Trek Pilot line also includes a 5.0, 5.2, and 5.9 that range from $2199.99 to $4729.99, but the Pilot 1.2 or Sequoia are the most similar to the OCR1

 

[RickF]

Thanks for the info. I agree with the fit thing. However if i go by sizing charts and match my height would there be a problem? Are there other factors I need to account for? Thanks.

Going by sizing charts and height is a big problem. Not everyone who is the same height has the same leg length or arm length. I am 6'0" but have only a 30" inseam and a 33" sleeve. My fit is very different than would it would be for someone the same height but with a 34" inseam and 36" sleeve. You should never buy a bike without knowing that it fits you.

 

[kmrivers]

Going by sizing charts and height is a big problem. Not everyone who is the same height has the same leg length or arm length. I am 6'0" but have only a 30" inseam and a 33" sleeve. My fit is very different than would it would be for someone the same height but with a 34" inseam and 36" sleeve. You should never buy a bike without knowing that it fits you.

I see. I did find this online store
Penn Cycle that is where I got some prices from. I have been to the Giant, Trek and Specialized websites. I understand about the sizing. I will do my best to find a nice bike shop where I can try some stuff out. I never planned on buying a bike without knowing that it will fit me. I don't know what to look for and needed some direction. Thanks for all your help. I will keep you updated on what I find.